Definitions
Bathing - the process of washing, rinsing and toweling the body or body parts and transferring in/out of the tub or shower. This includes the ability to get the bath water and/or equipment, whether this is in bed, tub, shower, or sink. Use of assistive devices such as tub/shower chair, pedal/knee controlled faucets, or long-handled brushes does not disqualify the client from being independent. If the client has a problem getting to and from the bathroom to bathe, that should be reflected in the Mobility section and should not affect the score for bathing.
Assessment Considerations:
1. When taking a bath/shower, can the person get their own towel, washcloth, soap, and run the water?
2. Can the person tell if the water is too hot or too cold?
3. Is the person able to get in and out of the shower or tub by themselves?
4. Does the person need a bath bench, shower seat or hand held shower to assist with bathing?
5. What kind of problems does the person have with bathing him/herself?
Minimum = the client requires up to minimal supervision, verbal cueing, assistance in and/or out of the shower, and may need assistance with washing back or lower extremities.
Moderate = the client requires step by step cueing with the entire bathing process, one person assist getting in and out of the tub/shower, and/or hands-on assistance with approximately 50% to 75% of the bathing process.
Maximum = the client is dependent on others for assistance with approximately 75% or more of the bathing process or requires assistance of two or more persons to get in and out of shower/tub or requires the use of a Hoyer lift.
Dressing - dressing includes laying out, putting on and fastening of clothing and footwear. Use of assistive devices such as reachers, sock pullers, shoe horns, Velcro fasteners does not disqualify the client from being independent.
Assessment Considerations:
1. Can the person choose their own clothes, get them from the closet or drawer, put them on and button the buttons, fasten/close the zipper or tie their shoes?
2. If someone lays out the clothes, can the person put them on?
3. Does the person have assistive devices to assist in dressing, such as reachers, sock pullers, shoe horns, Velcro fasteners?
4. How does the person get dressed if help is needed?
Minimum = the client may need some supervision or reminding (for example, laying out clothes, giving advice or being available.
Moderate = the client required hands-on physical assistance of another person or supervision with approximately 50% to 75% of the dressing activities.
Maximum = the client needs assistance with dressing approximately 75% or more of the time.
Grooming - grooming activities include combing hair, shaving, brushing teeth, washing hands/face, nail care and/or menses care. Obtaining the water and supplies necessary to complete the task are included in grooming.
Assessment Considerations:
1. Can the person run the sink water and wash their face, comb their hair and brush their teeth?
Minimum = the client needs up to minimal supervision or reminding (for example, setting up grooming implements, giving advice, being available, menses care).
Moderate = the client requires some physical assistance or supervision or step by step cueing with approximately 50% to 75% of their grooming activities.
Maximum = the client is dependent on others for assistance with approximately 75% or more of their grooming activities.